Golf mk4 diesels - any good? Any owners here?
Discussion
I quite fancy a Golf diesel around the £2k mark as I've been doing some miles recently and the Puma just isn't cut out for motorway work. I'm having some problems trying to find an 'idiots' guide to buying Golf diesels, and I feel there should be one because there appears to be approximately 3000 different diesel engines to choose from. 
Has anyone got any experience of them and which ones are okay, which ones to avoid? And what is the difference between SDI/PDI/TDI?
I was looking at the 150hp GT models but then I discovered some info on a VW forum that basically said they should be avoided at all costs as the cam gives up at 70k+ and is around a £1200 fix, so I've now been considering 130hp GT models with a view to remapping it instead.
What do I need to check/test/watch out for when on a test drive?
Do they have a DPF?
Do they suffer from clogged EGRs and inlet manifolds like other modern diesels? If so can the EGR be blanked easily enough?
What are the headlights like? I do a lot of night driving so decent headlights (unlike the Puma) are fairly important. Was there a xenon option for them around early 2000s era? Worth having?
Any other desirable equipment spec I should look out for? Not too fussed about leather and I don't give a toss for auto lights/indicators/wipers, but aircon a 'must' and would ideally like heated seats, EHM, auto-dip RVM, trip comp and built-in satnav if any were available in that era?
Thanks.
Has anyone got any experience of them and which ones are okay, which ones to avoid? And what is the difference between SDI/PDI/TDI?
I was looking at the 150hp GT models but then I discovered some info on a VW forum that basically said they should be avoided at all costs as the cam gives up at 70k+ and is around a £1200 fix, so I've now been considering 130hp GT models with a view to remapping it instead.
What do I need to check/test/watch out for when on a test drive?
Do they have a DPF?
Do they suffer from clogged EGRs and inlet manifolds like other modern diesels? If so can the EGR be blanked easily enough?
What are the headlights like? I do a lot of night driving so decent headlights (unlike the Puma) are fairly important. Was there a xenon option for them around early 2000s era? Worth having?
Any other desirable equipment spec I should look out for? Not too fussed about leather and I don't give a toss for auto lights/indicators/wipers, but aircon a 'must' and would ideally like heated seats, EHM, auto-dip RVM, trip comp and built-in satnav if any were available in that era?
Thanks.
Prepare for lots of comments about how they're the least interesting cars ever (especially 300bhp/ton - he's got a real hatred of these).
I've had two and thought they were great cars. Both were GT TDI 130s, though the 2nd one was modified. The remap I had took it to 170 ish, and was well worth it. I'd describe the handling as "safe". Hardly the last word in feedback, but I still found it enjoyable on a b-road blast. They're comfy cars with a reasonable amount of space inside, decent kit levels and they're reasonably reliable. My wife's Galaxy had the 115 version of the same engine and it's now on 176k miles with no major problems.
The 150bhp models apparently suffer from cam wear, but not owning one I can't confirm. I do know someone with an Ibiza Cupra PD160 which uses the same cams and that's been fine.
They don't have a DPF, which is nice, but they do suffer from blocked EGR valves. Allard do a replacement for about £60 or so which is dead easy to fit.
Headlights are good. The GT's had projectors as standard and yes there is a xenon option but it appears to be quite rare. You can upgrade though - there are conversion looms available that alow you to fit OE xenons. It's an expensive upgrade given the rarity of the lights - personally I don't think it's worth it.
All GT models had aircon - some with digital climate control. As far as I know, the cloth seats didn't have a heating option so you'll need leather to get that. Dipping RVM is an option, and is available as a retro fit. 2 mode trip comp is standard on GT models, as are heated mirrors. Sat nav (VW MFD) is an option, and is also available as a retro-fit. I retrofitted an OE MFD unit into a Passat of a similar era and it was a case of getting a conversion loom for about £30 including the GPS receiver. To be honest the sat nav worked ok, but as far as usability goes I've seen much better.
I can't think of anything specific to check for on a test drive. They've got dual-mass flywheels, so that's worth paying attention to. Also check the electric windows work properly. They've got plastic clips holding the glass to the regulator which snap (I personally know of 5 cars that have had this problem).
I've had two and thought they were great cars. Both were GT TDI 130s, though the 2nd one was modified. The remap I had took it to 170 ish, and was well worth it. I'd describe the handling as "safe". Hardly the last word in feedback, but I still found it enjoyable on a b-road blast. They're comfy cars with a reasonable amount of space inside, decent kit levels and they're reasonably reliable. My wife's Galaxy had the 115 version of the same engine and it's now on 176k miles with no major problems.
The 150bhp models apparently suffer from cam wear, but not owning one I can't confirm. I do know someone with an Ibiza Cupra PD160 which uses the same cams and that's been fine.
They don't have a DPF, which is nice, but they do suffer from blocked EGR valves. Allard do a replacement for about £60 or so which is dead easy to fit.
Headlights are good. The GT's had projectors as standard and yes there is a xenon option but it appears to be quite rare. You can upgrade though - there are conversion looms available that alow you to fit OE xenons. It's an expensive upgrade given the rarity of the lights - personally I don't think it's worth it.
All GT models had aircon - some with digital climate control. As far as I know, the cloth seats didn't have a heating option so you'll need leather to get that. Dipping RVM is an option, and is available as a retro fit. 2 mode trip comp is standard on GT models, as are heated mirrors. Sat nav (VW MFD) is an option, and is also available as a retro-fit. I retrofitted an OE MFD unit into a Passat of a similar era and it was a case of getting a conversion loom for about £30 including the GPS receiver. To be honest the sat nav worked ok, but as far as usability goes I've seen much better.
I can't think of anything specific to check for on a test drive. They've got dual-mass flywheels, so that's worth paying attention to. Also check the electric windows work properly. They've got plastic clips holding the glass to the regulator which snap (I personally know of 5 cars that have had this problem).
I have a 2001 110 tdi (non pd).
Love the engine. I have experience of lots of more modern diesels, but it pulls from really low down with next to no lag. It goes very well considering its low power. I average 55 mpg over the last 5 months, 4000 miles and it never goes on a motorway.
It is not without its problems though - all bushes need/needed replacing. Im 90% through doing this. The cars arnt as tough as what people might make out. Several bits of plasitc trim snapped/fell off. In fairness, It isnt the cleanist example but I this didnt fuss me. It has a slight rust issue on the drivers wing aswell.
I like the car - i just wish it had longer gear ratios for when travelling at higher speeds.
Love the engine. I have experience of lots of more modern diesels, but it pulls from really low down with next to no lag. It goes very well considering its low power. I average 55 mpg over the last 5 months, 4000 miles and it never goes on a motorway.
It is not without its problems though - all bushes need/needed replacing. Im 90% through doing this. The cars arnt as tough as what people might make out. Several bits of plasitc trim snapped/fell off. In fairness, It isnt the cleanist example but I this didnt fuss me. It has a slight rust issue on the drivers wing aswell.
I like the car - i just wish it had longer gear ratios for when travelling at higher speeds.
I owned a '99 Bora with the 110 bhp TDi engine. It was great. I bought it with 50k on the clock and ran it up to 136k over 6 years. The only problems I had were a cambelt tensioner, broken suspension part and a faulty brake light switch. None of these problems left me stranded, however.
The only reason I got rid of the car was because it was written off two years ago. I rate the diesel engines in this range (which I'm sure are the same as the Golfs of that era). I have heard about issues with the later 150bhp PD engines (?), but the TDi is a great old lump.
The only reason I got rid of the car was because it was written off two years ago. I rate the diesel engines in this range (which I'm sure are the same as the Golfs of that era). I have heard about issues with the later 150bhp PD engines (?), but the TDi is a great old lump.
Not got a Golf, but the Octavia I have is based on the same floor pan and mechanicals, and the ex had a Golf SE
The SDI is a non turbo engine, and is usually only available in low/taxi spec.
The TDI is available in 90 and 110 bhp models, my 110bhp is remapped to somewhere in the region of 145BHP, with no other changes. 110 models have a Variable Vane turbo which is known to gunk up with soot if not excercised regularly (i.e. longish motorway trips) and requires the strip down of the turbo to clean it out, or a replacement turbo. There is no indication of this having happened, except that there is no power when accelerating when on full throttle.
90's had a fixed vane turbo, so don't have this problem. 90's are identified with all black TDI lettering on the back, 110's have a red I.
The PDI is 130 and above, and usually comes with a 6 speed box rather than 5! These tend to be more noisy, and drink fuel a bit more. These are identified with a red DI badge on the back.
As said above, most but the very low spec ones come with A/C, and higher spec ones come with digital climate control.
Heated seats are only available on leather equipped cars.
Xenons as mentioned were a cost option, on all but the R32's, or so I believe.
The SDI is a non turbo engine, and is usually only available in low/taxi spec.
The TDI is available in 90 and 110 bhp models, my 110bhp is remapped to somewhere in the region of 145BHP, with no other changes. 110 models have a Variable Vane turbo which is known to gunk up with soot if not excercised regularly (i.e. longish motorway trips) and requires the strip down of the turbo to clean it out, or a replacement turbo. There is no indication of this having happened, except that there is no power when accelerating when on full throttle.
90's had a fixed vane turbo, so don't have this problem. 90's are identified with all black TDI lettering on the back, 110's have a red I.
The PDI is 130 and above, and usually comes with a 6 speed box rather than 5! These tend to be more noisy, and drink fuel a bit more. These are identified with a red DI badge on the back.
As said above, most but the very low spec ones come with A/C, and higher spec ones come with digital climate control.
Heated seats are only available on leather equipped cars.
Xenons as mentioned were a cost option, on all but the R32's, or so I believe.
Edited by AndyNetwork on Wednesday 6th June 11:20
Edited by AndyNetwork on Wednesday 6th June 11:22
Had one and after a few inexpensive mods was able to enjoy it. Used it as a commuter Berkshire-Cheshire and it worked well, responding to the use it was one the most reliable cars we've owned with the costs being servicing and an air con failure.
The MkIV responds well to some decent springs and a set of Bilsteins, bigger brakes (TT caliper carriers are a worthwhile OEM upgrade) give more confidence but are not essential. Do this before tuning it as you'll need a better chassis anyway.
The MkIV responds well to some decent springs and a set of Bilsteins, bigger brakes (TT caliper carriers are a worthwhile OEM upgrade) give more confidence but are not essential. Do this before tuning it as you'll need a better chassis anyway.
OK thanks guys. Learnt some new stuff there. Am after the 6 speed box ones so I guess that rules out the lower powered ones. It will be used for mainly motorway wafting (very rarely any B-road shennanigans) but I do like to get my toe down so the 6th gear will be useful in keeping the revs down.
@ XiTUP - enough to justify the extra £ppl and potential extra maintenance vs a petrol model.
I've had a lot of diesel motors over the past decade (along with their various problems) so I like to consider myself reasonably well clued up with the common stuff that usually goes wrong with them, ie. clogged EGRs, DPFs, turbo neglect and failing/failed DMFs. That was why I asked whether they had a DPF as I won't be buying if it has; more trouble than they're worth.
Back on topic, what is their rust resilience like? I noticed that Golf's were mentioned by a couple of people in an old "what cars don't rust" thread, yet looking at the classifieds I see quite a few with rusty front arches. Mine is likely to get neglected a bit on the 'car washing' front as I don't wash them as often as I perhaps should.
Also, how strong is the 6 speed box in them? Any history of premature failures or known issues?
Thanks.
@ XiTUP - enough to justify the extra £ppl and potential extra maintenance vs a petrol model.
I've had a lot of diesel motors over the past decade (along with their various problems) so I like to consider myself reasonably well clued up with the common stuff that usually goes wrong with them, ie. clogged EGRs, DPFs, turbo neglect and failing/failed DMFs. That was why I asked whether they had a DPF as I won't be buying if it has; more trouble than they're worth. Back on topic, what is their rust resilience like? I noticed that Golf's were mentioned by a couple of people in an old "what cars don't rust" thread, yet looking at the classifieds I see quite a few with rusty front arches. Mine is likely to get neglected a bit on the 'car washing' front as I don't wash them as often as I perhaps should.
Also, how strong is the 6 speed box in them? Any history of premature failures or known issues?
Thanks.
Re: Rust!
The ex wife's was a 98/99 on an S plate, and I still know the current owner, after she sold it. The only rust on it, is where the ex took out the rear nearside door on a gate post. The rest is still rock solid. I don't think the ex washed it in all the time she had it, and she had it a good few years.
My Octi doesn't show any signs of rust, and gets washed when I can't see out of the windows, or when it goes in for a service, so probably about 6 times a year.
The ex wife's was a 98/99 on an S plate, and I still know the current owner, after she sold it. The only rust on it, is where the ex took out the rear nearside door on a gate post. The rest is still rock solid. I don't think the ex washed it in all the time she had it, and she had it a good few years.
My Octi doesn't show any signs of rust, and gets washed when I can't see out of the windows, or when it goes in for a service, so probably about 6 times a year.
Re: Rust -
My Bora had one rust bubble on the bonnet from a big stone chip. You could just about see it if you looked closely enough (like I do ).
That one bubble stayed in the same place and didn't move for years. It didn't grow and didn't eat anything else.
I often think about how good the old Bora was with rust and the general paint finish. My current Mazda 3 seems to have paint made from tissue paper and has some little rust-coloured pits on it. Stone chips seem to take the paint off really easily and it's not even five years old yet!
My Bora had one rust bubble on the bonnet from a big stone chip. You could just about see it if you looked closely enough (like I do
).That one bubble stayed in the same place and didn't move for years. It didn't grow and didn't eat anything else.
I often think about how good the old Bora was with rust and the general paint finish. My current Mazda 3 seems to have paint made from tissue paper and has some little rust-coloured pits on it. Stone chips seem to take the paint off really easily and it's not even five years old yet!
I have a Bora with the PD130 engine and the 6 speed box. Currently on 154k and still running sweet as a nut.
Only problems I've had is the EGR Valve Gasket failing. The EGR's are pronbe to failure but easily solved by an EGR Delete Kit (Allard) for circa £50 which prevents future failures.
Apart from that (and me bumping the fecking thing) it has been faultless and a really good engine. Like others of said, though, the drive is completely disconnected but as a commuting slag, there's not much better IMO. I average around 45 - 55MPG depending on what type of driving I'm doing. It will happily sit at 80 onthe Motorway and return 55MPG, but it suffers on A and B roads if there are lots of gear changes needed. Probably will drop to 45MPG (40 at the very lowest if you have a bit of a lead boot).
I would reccomend finding one with cruise control, only because I wish I had it
.
I was tempted to get mine remapped, but after some research, decided against it as it can negatively affect the MPG and (some say) eat through a standard clutch at a bit of a rate.
Can I ask, why a Golf? If it is looks, then fair enough (I suppose). Otherwise, I would reccomend a Bora over a Golf all day. Bigger boot, cheaper to buy and cheaper to insure. You can pick up a lovely Bora Highline (which comes with climate control, cruise control, heated leather seats etc) for just a few grand these days.
Only problems I've had is the EGR Valve Gasket failing. The EGR's are pronbe to failure but easily solved by an EGR Delete Kit (Allard) for circa £50 which prevents future failures.
Apart from that (and me bumping the fecking thing) it has been faultless and a really good engine. Like others of said, though, the drive is completely disconnected but as a commuting slag, there's not much better IMO. I average around 45 - 55MPG depending on what type of driving I'm doing. It will happily sit at 80 onthe Motorway and return 55MPG, but it suffers on A and B roads if there are lots of gear changes needed. Probably will drop to 45MPG (40 at the very lowest if you have a bit of a lead boot).
I would reccomend finding one with cruise control, only because I wish I had it
. I was tempted to get mine remapped, but after some research, decided against it as it can negatively affect the MPG and (some say) eat through a standard clutch at a bit of a rate.
Can I ask, why a Golf? If it is looks, then fair enough (I suppose). Otherwise, I would reccomend a Bora over a Golf all day. Bigger boot, cheaper to buy and cheaper to insure. You can pick up a lovely Bora Highline (which comes with climate control, cruise control, heated leather seats etc) for just a few grand these days.
Mine has done 110k and is still on it's first clutch and the 6sp box is tight and positive. One of the front arches is starting to rust but it is where the wheel has rubbed the arch.
My car has been seriously cheap to run I've done about 50k in it, It regularly returns over 60mpg.
They are a bit bland as standard, modifications can transform it if you're in to that kind of thing, I'm selling mine soon and I'm sure I will miss it.
My car has been seriously cheap to run I've done about 50k in it, It regularly returns over 60mpg.
They are a bit bland as standard, modifications can transform it if you're in to that kind of thing, I'm selling mine soon and I'm sure I will miss it.
I had a 2002 GT TDi 150 with 120k on it.
Absolute nightmare. As soon as one fault was sorted a new light would appear on the dash.
New radiator fans, abs sensors, alternator to name a few. In the end I just got rid as it was costing me a fortune.
Shame really, I've had mates with them and they've been no hassle at all.
Absolute nightmare. As soon as one fault was sorted a new light would appear on the dash.
New radiator fans, abs sensors, alternator to name a few. In the end I just got rid as it was costing me a fortune.
Shame really, I've had mates with them and they've been no hassle at all.
Mikeyplum said:
I was tempted to get mine remapped, but after some research, decided against it as it can negatively affect the MPG and (some say) eat through a standard clutch at a bit of a rate.
I've remapped a few of mine in the past (Viezu) and always had excellent results. On my Astra 1.7 CDTI I saw nearly a 20% improvement in mpg (40-50mpg) along with a 35% increase in power (100-135hp) and on my 330Cd I saw about a 15% increase in mpg and an extra 35hp. Well worth the money imho (£299) and the transformation in how they drive has got to be experienced to really appreciate it.Whoever told you a remap would negatively affect mpg is either talking out of their arse or has only experienced some £20 Chinese tuning box 'special' from Ebay. A proper remap from a reputable company that does custom files will do wonders for your mpg, power and driveability on any modernish TD engine. And you can tell them how you want your car to drive too. For example, as you have concerns over destroying your transmission you could ask them to make the file so that the torque is limited in 1st and 2nd gear so you don't risk destroying your DMF.
Mikeyplum said:
Can I ask, why a Golf? If it is looks, then fair enough (I suppose). Otherwise, I would reccomend a Bora over a Golf all day. Bigger boot, cheaper to buy and cheaper to insure. You can pick up a lovely Bora Highline (which comes with climate control, cruise control, heated leather seats etc) for just a few grand these days.
The Bora's look, well, Boring imho and has a Skoda front end too which I don't like. Plus it's a bigger car and there'll rarely be more than me in it, so no need for the extra space/size. It just means lugging more weight around for the sake of it and costing more in fuel. Edited by All that jazz on Wednesday 6th June 13:38
mk1matt said:
My first one was fine for rust - none at all. The 2nd had to have a replacement front wing. It wasn't at the stage where there were holes in it, but after attempting to sand it back and repaint, the surface rust came through again.
This is what is happening to mine.The passenger side is like brand new, with not a hint of rust comming through. The lip around the arch is still 100% solid, as is the rear.
The drivers side wing has bubbles and looking at the lip it needs a new wing (repairable but cheaper to get a new one). The rear has a slight bubble also.
Strange how one side is perfect and the other isnt!
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